Is Your Dog Slowing Down? Canine Massage Could Help
Getting older doesn’t mean that dogs stop wanting to enjoy their lives.
They still want their walks, their favourite sniffing spots, their comfortable place on the sofa and all the little routines that make up their day. But as their bodies change, some of those things can start to become a little more difficult.
You might notice your dog taking longer to get up after sleeping. Perhaps they’re slower on walks, hesitate before getting into the car or think twice about using the stairs.
Some changes are a normal part of ageing, but that doesn’t mean we should simply dismiss everything as “they’re just getting old.”
What might you notice in an older dog?
Changes can be subtle, particularly when they happen gradually. You may notice:
- Stiffness, particularly after resting
- Slowing down or tiring sooner on walks
- Difficulty getting on or off furniture
- Hesitation getting in or out of the car
- Difficulty with stairs
- Changes in posture or the way they walk
- Reduced muscle tone
- Less enthusiasm for activities they previously enjoyed
- Difficulty getting comfortable or settling
None of these signs tells us exactly what is happening, and changes in movement or behaviour should be discussed with your vet. But they are useful things to notice and monitor.
How can canine massage support a senior dog?
As dogs get older, maintaining comfortable movement becomes increasingly important.
Professional canine massage can help support soft-tissue health, mobility and flexibility. It can also address areas of muscular tension that may develop as a dog changes the way they move.
And massage isn’t simply about working on individual muscles.
With senior dogs, I look at the whole picture. How are they standing? How are they moving? Are they compensating somewhere? Are there areas where the tissues feel different? How comfortable are they being handled?
The session itself is adapted to the individual dog. An older body doesn’t necessarily need lots of deep pressure. Technique, pressure, positioning and any appropriate stretches should take into account the dog’s age, health, mobility and response to treatment.
Massage is only one part of supporting an ageing dog
There are lots of simple things we can look at alongside massage.
Activities of daily living are particularly important. Can your dog still comfortably access the places they use every day?
Slippery flooring, unsuitable bedding, stairs and repeatedly jumping in and out of a car can all become more challenging as a dog ages. Small changes around the home can sometimes make everyday life considerably easier.
Maintaining an appropriate weight is also important, and your vet can advise you about nutrition, supplements or medication where appropriate.
Regular veterinary checks become increasingly valuable too. Changes that look like “old age” can sometimes have an underlying cause worth investigating.
It’s about quality of life
The aim isn’t to turn an older dog into a young dog again.
It’s about supporting the body they have now and helping them continue doing the things they enjoy for as long as comfortably possible.
And sometimes, seeing an older dog become more comfortable in their body and start enjoying those little things again is one of the loveliest parts of my job.